Goya Foods and United Way Give Back to Community

March 2011

            As the country participated in many Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations throughout the nation, Goya Foods, a leader in the Latin American food industry, celebrated its 75th Anniversary throughout 2011. To commemorate its 75th Anniversary, Goya teamed up with United Way and launched several initiatives in support of the communities that have embraced the company throughout the years.

 In early spring 2011, Goya Foods donated 75,000 pounds of food to the Capital Area Food Bank, 645 Taylor Street NE, United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA).  The Capital Area Food Bank is the main distribution site for the donation. The donation was then split among 12 area food banks that serve the residents of the Washington area. 

One of the food pantries that received the donation was Arlington Food Assistance Center. Charles Meng, the executive director of the center, said the donation is enough to get through about one work week. Fairfax's Food also received a portion of the donation, but Deputy Director Liz Reinert said rising gas prices means need is likely to increase. "If gas all of the sudden doubles in price, and you are a waiter or a person cleaning houses, you didn't get a raise," Reinert says. "That's what's happened to our families.”

"Goya Foods also donated “1 million pounds of food nationwide as a part of its "Goya Gives" campaign to prevent hunger and improve nutrition,” reported Erica Redmond of the Washington Examiner.  

Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way Worldwide said, “We applaud Goya’s commitment to fight hunger. Good nutrition is a key part of United Way’s commitment to improve people’s health and this generous donation will help ensure that children and adults in these communities have access to affordable, healthy food.”

“We look forward to sharing this important milestone in our company’s history with our family, La Gran Familia Goya, which consist of our employees, our consumers, our clients, and our communities. We recognize the significant role they continue to play in the success and growth of our company,” stated Robert Unanue, President of Goya Foods.